My first child, Zoe, was a superstar when it came to talking, walking, and reading. Everything was a breeze with her. I could teach her something, and she would grasp it almost instantly. Friends and family showered me with compliments on my parenting skills for raising such a bright, capable child. (Honestly, even a monkey could have managed it, but I happily soaked up the praise!) My second child, Max, followed a similar trajectory, although his spirited nature often drew some raised eyebrows and whispers of “why can’t you manage your child?” Regardless, he was smashing milestones—just with a bit more flair.
Then came my youngest, Lily. It quickly became apparent that we had a late bloomer in our midst. So, what exactly is a late bloomer? It’s the child who takes their time learning the milestones that our parenting culture tends to emphasize. Lily embodies this perfectly. She isn’t in a hurry to reach her developmental goals. Perhaps it’s because she’s still mastering skills or maybe she’s simply focused on her own unique interests. Eventually, she gets there, but often in the most roundabout way imaginable and just at the cusp of what experts deem “normal.” And you know what? I adore her for it.
If Lily had been my first, I would have panicked daily. However, my journey through parenthood has taught me to relax and let children learn at their own pace. That doesn’t mean I don’t worry or engage her in activities I feel are important. We’ve visited speech therapists multiple times, but they reassure me that she’s progressing just fine in her own way.
At three, Zoe could identify and write nearly all the letters of the alphabet and recite lengthy books from memory. Lily, on the other hand, struggles to get dressed and considers the numbers 4 and 5 optional when counting to 10. Yet, despite the hurdles she faces in becoming kindergarten-ready, I firmly believe she will achieve great things in life.
Why am I so confident?
She is compassionate.
Lily is a natural nurturer. She’s the child who rushes to comfort other kids at the playground when they’re upset after a fall. She approaches children with disabilities, offering hugs that often leave their parents misty-eyed. It seems she has an innate sense of when someone needs a little extra love, and she spreads it freely. The world needs more kindness, and she’s more than willing to provide it.
She is clever.
It took us a while to realize that Lily couldn’t dress herself—not because she didn’t know how, but because she had figured out how to get everyone to help her. She would charm her way into getting her siblings or her dad to assist her, making it more fun and efficient than doing it herself. Part of me wants to be frustrated, but honestly, I can’t help but admire her cleverness.
She has a knack for humor.
Despite her slower language development, she has an unmatched ability to crack us up. During family meals, when we discuss plans, she’ll chime in with an enthusiastic “heck yeah,” and we can’t help but laugh. Her humor brings joy to everyone around her.
She stands her ground.
Half the time, I feel she avoids doing things simply because I asked her to. Lily has a strong sense of autonomy. As a baby, she refused to take a bottle and would wait hours for me to return with her milk. No one was going to sway her. Thankfully, she’s generally laid-back, but when she sets her mind to something, there’s no changing it.
She knows how to express herself.
Lily loves to dance! She breaks into spontaneous dance parties whether we’re in the grocery store, at church, or even during her siblings’ meltdowns. I never expected her talent for shaking her groove thing, but I respect her for knowing what she loves early on. Understanding one’s unique strengths can take you far in life.
For all you parents with a late bloomer, take comfort in knowing they will be just fine. If you find yourself tossing and turning at night, worried about whether your late bloomer is merely taking their time or facing a more serious issue, don’t hesitate to seek help. After all, no parent should sacrifice their sleep. A late bloomer may take a different route, but they will arrive at their destination in their own time. It’s like choosing the scenic path over the crowded highway.
I envision Lily’s journey filled with meaningful connections, unique talents, laughter, and joyful dancing. Yes, I worry about her—who wouldn’t? But even if she struggles with counting, she’s acquiring essential life skills that will help her flourish. In turn, she’s teaching me that not every child follows the same path and that a little relaxation can create a happier home. If you’re curious about more parenting insights, check out this helpful article on how to contact experienced professionals for guidance.
In summary, every child, including late bloomers, will find their way. They may take longer, but they will develop unique traits that set them up for success in life.